In solidarity. Tomorrow at 12. And beyond.

Image by Paige Galette

WHITEHORSE: TOMORROW, SATURDAY JUNE 6 12pm at the Healing Totem – Solidarity Vigil

We recognize this moment as one in a long history of systemic violent oppression, and thankfully, human resistance, close at home and around the world.

We stand in solidarity with Black, Indigenous and People of Colour against oppression, racism, specifically including anti-Black racism, and violence by agents of the state and individuals and groups inside Canada.

In the arts and theatre we recognize that the dominant approaches and forms are limited and limiting, often created out of Anglo-supremisist and nationalist mindsets and histories. We shall strive to do better on decentering these schools of thought and practice.

We embrace our ability to imagine and work towards a better, more just and equitable, future. We will continue to reach deeper while doing so, internally and externally, immediately and down the road. We will work within our sector, our community and ourselves to continue pushing for change, centering the marginalized voices and to dismantle structural racism in our sector, our territory and our country. To do this work in a good way for all of our relations.

We are certain that public statements from small, medium or large theatre companies are not alone what creates the much needed change, shift, re-imaginging, re-orienteering in the world – but we hope this moment can be an opportunity for  listening and reflecting honestly on each of our roles, and taking concrete actions.

Some things we’re reading:

• Yukoners for solidarity and action

• BYTE Call to actions

• Just Recovery for All

• A Just Transition

• Letters to America from Black Canadians

• Enough Already with the Statements of “Solidarity,” Arts World

• A New Normal for North American Orchestras - Bradley Powell - Medium

• #inthedressingroom on Twitter

• Until We Are Free: Reflections on Black Lives Matter in Canada

• Remembering 27 Black, Indigenous, and racialized people killed by Canadian police | Cole’s Notes

• Defunding The Police Will Save Black And Indigenous Lives In Canada | HuffPost Canada

• We must defund the police. It is the only option. - Macleans.ca

• Black Organizations And Anti-Racist Groups Canadians Can Support Now

• Desmond Cole: The Skin We're In A Year of Black Resistance and Power

• Remembering 27 Black, Indigenous, and racialized people killed by Canadian police | Cole’s Notes

• Bail funds for US protesters 

• Use of Force Project - Clear calls to action to reform police behaviour. 

• USA reading / resources list

• 30 powerful songs about police brutality, anti-Black racism and revolution

As an organization with 40 years of history and a staff of all white folks, we commit to continuing these conversations over the coming days, months and years, to thoroughly examine our organizational structure and history, the sector and milieu in which we work, and create more tangible, concrete ways to support, include, and uplift Black, Indigenous and other suppressed and oppressed voices at Nakai. We know there is much work to do – and that today is only one of many days to actively take action. 

See you out there tomorrow!